We plan to buy a Hunter late model 380 of 1999 and would like to have your comments on the following items; 1) Fiberglass arch. The fiberglass arch can be permanently removed 2) Selden alum light mast and boom. 3) Harken traveler system on coachroof Thank you
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An excellent boat for the right person(s)
I own a 1999 Hunter 380, bought new. It has the fibreglass arch, roller furling main and jib. I have owned 3 other Hunter boats, and 5 other makes and sizes. This is by far the best sailboat that I have ever had. When I order the boat I asked for a stainless steel arch--they didn't make those at that time. I now would not get the metal arch, I have fallen in love with the firbreglass one. I snuggle up against it when in a blow on the low side and enjoy my sailing. I have my rain fly (read bimini) attached to it and to the dodger. What a delight. I have hung my radar display from the center of it where it is perfect to see when I need to know what is on the radar. I wish I had hung my VHF up there as well--maybe I'll do that later on. The cockpit lights are a delight--why didn't someone invent them sooner. The arch is a godsend. The arch also has the Harken Traveler system on the top with controls to the end of the boom. I will never, NEVER, go back to a coach roof system with winches. This system is so easy that I actually adjust the sail more often then when I had a coachroof system. You asked about the Selden "light mast" . I've had lighter masts and broke one in the Swiftsure race one year. I know enough about masts to inspect them from time to time. This is the strongest mast I've had on any of my boats. There is a well known rigger in the area that has tuned my mast and he says that if he were to go off shore, this would be the mast for him. I agree. This is a solid mast and the boom is the best that I've ever had. In the title I said this is the best boat for the right person. If you want a traditional Sparkman and Stevens styled boat, the Hunter 380 is not for you. If you like to varnish, this is not your boat. If you like to have a number of sails to change, this is not your boat. If you like complexity, this is not your boat. If you want a heavy designed boat, this is not for you but be aware it is strongly built. However, if you like innovation in your sailing, if ease of sailing is enjoyed, if speed is an enjoyable factor, this is a good boat. I don't believe the newer Hunters have the same amount of innovation that the Hunter 380 (376,386) have. I really enjoy my Selden mast, the fibreglass arch, the innovative design and a host of other features on my boat. Should you want to ask any further questions, feel free to write leslieblackwell@comcast.net and I will try to answer them for you but be aware of my bias--my love of this boat. It is the right boat for this old sailor. My best to you, Les
I own a 1999 Hunter 380, bought new. It has the fibreglass arch, roller furling main and jib. I have owned 3 other Hunter boats, and 5 other makes and sizes. This is by far the best sailboat that I have ever had. When I order the boat I asked for a stainless steel arch--they didn't make those at that time. I now would not get the metal arch, I have fallen in love with the firbreglass one. I snuggle up against it when in a blow on the low side and enjoy my sailing. I have my rain fly (read bimini) attached to it and to the dodger. What a delight. I have hung my radar display from the center of it where it is perfect to see when I need to know what is on the radar. I wish I had hung my VHF up there as well--maybe I'll do that later on. The cockpit lights are a delight--why didn't someone invent them sooner. The arch is a godsend. The arch also has the Harken Traveler system on the top with controls to the end of the boom. I will never, NEVER, go back to a coach roof system with winches. This system is so easy that I actually adjust the sail more often then when I had a coachroof system. You asked about the Selden "light mast" . I've had lighter masts and broke one in the Swiftsure race one year. I know enough about masts to inspect them from time to time. This is the strongest mast I've had on any of my boats. There is a well known rigger in the area that has tuned my mast and he says that if he were to go off shore, this would be the mast for him. I agree. This is a solid mast and the boom is the best that I've ever had. In the title I said this is the best boat for the right person. If you want a traditional Sparkman and Stevens styled boat, the Hunter 380 is not for you. If you like to varnish, this is not your boat. If you like to have a number of sails to change, this is not your boat. If you like complexity, this is not your boat. If you want a heavy designed boat, this is not for you but be aware it is strongly built. However, if you like innovation in your sailing, if ease of sailing is enjoyed, if speed is an enjoyable factor, this is a good boat. I don't believe the newer Hunters have the same amount of innovation that the Hunter 380 (376,386) have. I really enjoy my Selden mast, the fibreglass arch, the innovative design and a host of other features on my boat. Should you want to ask any further questions, feel free to write leslieblackwell@comcast.net and I will try to answer them for you but be aware of my bias--my love of this boat. It is the right boat for this old sailor. My best to you, Les
Phil, how come my response gets solo billing?
Phil, I responded to Estelle about the 380 and I'm the only response. However, Estelle's question in repeated in another spot--same questions--and everyone else's response is there. What did I do wrong? Les
Phil, I responded to Estelle about the 380 and I'm the only response. However, Estelle's question in repeated in another spot--same questions--and everyone else's response is there. What did I do wrong? Les
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